For all you eBook lovers: Don’t get me wrong, I think eReaders and other “cool” techie devices are fun, useful and convenient, but, as with everything in life, there should be a balance. Why are people so gung-ho to eliminate print books and traditional publishing? There’s always a reason. I wonder, is it purely a money thing? And I won’t even get started on what people will sacrifice in the name of modern conveniences.

I work in an office 8 hours a day, I write novels and short stories in my spare time, I update my blog and read others, and at the end of the day being able to open a book and actually sit on the sofa with something real, something physical to entertain me helps me to relax and forget about my computer dominated life. These devices may be around, but I cannot see them ever overtaking real books. They may come close but I think in the long run the physical written word is mightier than the digital sword that is threatenig to kill it.

Now kids don’t even have to use their imagination or critical thinking skills; they see and hear everything from the designer’s or illustrator’s imagination on the screen. Sad, really. I wonder, if little kids are reading Kindles that offer interactive illustrations and what not, does that mean parents don’t sit with their child and read out loud? Make funny voices for each of the characters? Help the child sound out a word? Again, it just seems like another easy way to disconnect from our kids or replace ourselves with an electronic device.

Sure, as supplemental tools eReaders and other electronic teaching devices are great. But I fear they won’t remain simply supplements. You know, sort of like the boob tube babysitter so many parents rely on nowadays. (I’m not saying you use electronic devices as babysitters, just sayin’ a lot of parents do.) I’ve seen these situations with kids over the past 10 years and it’s why I’m vigilant with my daughter. I am of the thinking that the less connected you are to a computer, TV or electronic device, the more you’re able to connect with real life – people and nature. And in today’s world it’s becoming more and more difficult to disconnect and still be able to function in society. Interesting.

I understand you don’t agree with my position on eBooks and eReaders, Briane, so we’ll agree to disagree :-)

Oh, and I don’t sell any of my books; all of my books are either given to family members, donated to the library or donated to someone through Freecycle. I have no issue with spending $20 on a book because I’m getting something of value and I’m helping support the person (the writer) who gave me that opportunity to learn, explore, imagine, etc.